August 2015 Running Challenge

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Replies

  • ddmom0811
    ddmom0811 Posts: 1,881 Member
    WhatMeRunning wrote: »
    Question for the runners out there who are (or have in the past) done two-a-day runs regularly...

    I am finding my schedule a bit difficult lately to hit my weekly miles based on the focus on lots of long, slow miles. Mainly, the biggest issue is that my shortest run in my normal schedule right now is 8 miles, which for me can take 1:45 to 2 hours even! My weekend long runs I am not so concerned with, but I also have a mid-week long run on Wednesdays of 12 miles currently, which can take from 2:45 to 3 hours (more if I have to make rest stops).

    Getting a 2-3 hour block of contiguous time is what is wrong. Mornings used to be when I would fit these in, but with this mileage and times it is difficult to do that when I have to wake the first kid up for school at 5:45am, meaning I would have to be up around 3am, or even 2am on a long run day in order to be dressed, ready, all that and out the door in time. Not practical at all.

    Same problem I am having! I just sort of gave up my long runs once I had to go back to work 2 weeks ago (teacher), which makes me nervous due to my HM in October. I don't have any kids at home anymore, but I can't get up any earlier than 4am and then after work it's too hot to run for me. Once it cools down (late Nov/Dec in Florida), then I can maybe run after work. By then the HM is over ... and I seem to be a morning runner. If the weather people could actually predict what the temps/humidity would be in the evening I could try to run then, but the rain/temps are just not predictable apparently.

    @skippygirlsmom - wow, what a nerve to say that to you! Is he some running expert or what! Hey! I didn't know that my weight training days or cycling days counted as "rest days". That's good news for me! I thought rest day was not doing any of my 3 exercises. So I'm doing good then! :wink:

    @ruqayyahsmum -- lol, sunshine and lollipops :smiley:

    @shanaber - Love that picture! All you dog runners are really making me think about getting a running partner!

    @karllundy - hope ankle is better quickly!
  • skippygirlsmom
    skippygirlsmom Posts: 4,433 Member
    @ddmom0811 you need a don't move rest day LOL

    With all the hot weather I thought I'd remind everyone of winter running is...

    Here are some reminders why winter running sucks:

    — Running below a certain temperature is not safe: When weather gets well below freezing, not only is a workout outside downright miserable, it can be dangerous. That type of road leads to the treadmill, which nearly all runners dread. To be fair, the summer also brings temperatures that are unsafe to run in — helloooo what feels like one million degrees — but if you can be flexible with getting a run in during the early morning hours or late evening hours, you can typically beat the dangerous heat.

    — You wear layers and are cold two minutes after your run ends: You’ve bundled up and finished your run feeling strong and, most importantly, warm. Two minutes later, you’re absolutely freezing. It’s insane how quickly sweat makes you feel cold in the winter months. In the summer, on the other hand, you finish a run and can hang out in your shorts and tank for a while before hitting the showers. (Granted, you do stink more.)

    — Fingers feel frozen even when you wear gloves: You found some gloves, eh? Think that’ll keep the tips of your fingers warm? Not so much. In the coldest days of winter and especially when the wind is blowing, it can feel like nothing will keep your fingers toasty. Even worse are the days you start out with gloves, then overheat and have to take them off after a couple miles with nowhere to stow them. - so me!

    — Frozen eyelashes or beards and icicles in your hair: You think you’re doing OK until you take a selfie mid-run or look in the mirror afterward. Then you’re shocked to see your eyelashes frozen together or a nice icicle hanging from your beard. Run in the snow or sleet and your hair will be completely covered in little ice bits. Fun!

    — It is dark for what feels like all the time: The sun doesn’t rise until after 7 in the morning and sets around 5 in the evening. Basically, it feels like it’s dark 24/7, and you’re always running before the sun rises (it's starting already) or after it sets. In the summer, on the other hand, you have nearly 15 hours of glorious daylight.

  • dennie24
    dennie24 Posts: 251 Member
    I am going to miss my already sad goal for this month. I had a grad school group project due this week that kind of just took over everything I had planned for the week. I was finally able to get out for three miles this morning though and it was nice to relieve some stress. I guess my biggest goal for the month was to run outside without pain in my leg and I met that goal.
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  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    WhatMeRunning wrote: »

    So I am giving a lot of thought to running twice a day. Say a 4 or 6 miler in the morning. I could wake up for that much easier. And then later in the day fit in another one.

    So my main question is, if my goal was 8 miles on a given day, would two 4 milers give me the same benefit? Same with higher mileage?

    I am not doing speedwork, just focusing on lots of miles and trying to continue building my strength, endurance, form and pace.

    OK. My 2 pennies for what it is worth.

    First off, if you have a weekend long run in your schedule already, you don't have to worry about a long run during the week. I would think that the overall weekly volume to support your weekend long run is what really counts.

    With that said, in general speaking terms relating to the long run, 2x 4 milers would not equal 1x 8 miler. Again, since you already have a weekend long run in your schedule, this may not apply to you.

    The long run which lasts 90-150 minutes has great benefits to a runner. You are basically exhausting your supply of glycogen slowly (assuming you are running your LR below your LT) forcing you to rely more on fatty acids for fuel as the LR goes on. You are stressing your body to make adaptions by producing more enzymes to burn fat and use it as fuel (over time). Stressing the body to build more capillaries, and strengthening all your muscles, joints, bones, ligiments, ect. Also, as the LR goes on, your slower twitch muscle fibers begin to exhaust, forcing you to engage your medium twitch, then faster twitch muscles fibers. Breaking the run up by resting in between doesn't give you all these benefits. The LR also builds mental fitness and makes use of your endorphins and other neutransmitters (which give you that runner's high). Benefits that don't come with breaking the LR up.

    What it sounds like is that you could benefit from a more holistic training plan.

    Since you already have a long run planned (probably on a Saturday or Sunday), you will do fine with splitting up longer weekday workouts into 2. I personally like to declare 2 days of the week (Tue and Thurs) as my "hard" days, in addition to my Saturday LR. Tue and Thurs I will fit in 4 miles worth steady pace run at or near "tempo" pace, followed up with a couple recovery miles, then followed up with strides. or some other variation relating to this.

    In your case, you may benefit from something similar where in the morning (twice a week) you may run a bit faster than normal then take it easier pace at night for those 2 miles. Or maybe run hills in that morning and run flats at night.

    Again, my 2 pennies.

  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    edited August 2015
    skippygirlsmom wrote: »

    — You wear layers and are cold two minutes after your run ends: You’ve bundled up and finished your run feeling strong and, most importantly, warm. Two minutes later, you’re absolutely freezing. It’s insane how quickly sweat makes you feel cold in the winter months. In the summer, on the other hand, you finish a run and can hang out in your shorts and tank for a while before hitting the showers. (Granted, you do stink more.)

    — Fingers feel frozen even when you wear gloves: You found some gloves, eh? Think that’ll keep the tips of your fingers warm? Not so much. In the coldest days of winter and especially when the wind is blowing, it can feel like nothing will keep your fingers toasty. Even worse are the days you start out with gloves, then overheat and have to take them off after a couple miles with nowhere to stow them. - so me!

    — It is dark for what feels like all the time: The sun doesn’t rise until after 7 in the morning and sets around 5 in the evening. Basically, it feels like it’s dark 24/7, and you’re always running before the sun rises (it's starting already) or after it sets. In the summer, on the other hand, you have nearly 15 hours of glorious daylight.

    In addition, running in the dark in layers of clothing get's you mistaken for a crew that is ready to break into the Regions Bank and commit the crime of the century.

    dmrRF56.jpg
    ^^^^^^^^
    You heard of Ocean's 11? Meet Panera's 15.
  • TnTWalter
    TnTWalter Posts: 345 Member
    checking in.
    8.1 0
    8.2 Sunday off
    8.3 3 mi
    8.4 3 mi
    8.5 3 mi
    8.6 skipped
    8.7 2-3 mi [sprint intervals]
    8.8 2.5 mi
    8.9 Sunday off
    8.10 3 mi
    8.11 3 mi
    8.12 3 mi
    8.13 2.5 mi
    8.14 3 mi
    8.15 4 mi
    8.16 Sunday Off
    8.17 3 mi
    8.18 3 mi
    8.19 4 mi
    8.20 3 mi
    8.21 4 mi
    so far = 49 miles
  • CancerSurvivor2014
    CancerSurvivor2014 Posts: 111 Member
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  • CancerSurvivor2014
    CancerSurvivor2014 Posts: 111 Member
    MFP August Running Challenge:
    I got 1 mile on the treadmill this morning in warm ups. Then this afternoon took the kids to the Lake. My teenager fished while me and the little ones hit the trail to the Dam. With my "personal trainers" on their bikes and me running in tow we did 3 miles in under 36 mins.

    August Goal: 45 miles
    Completed: 37
    >>>>>>>>>>>> 8 to go <<<<<<<<<<<
  • Dichotomy1976
    Dichotomy1976 Posts: 93 Member
    2/8: 8.1 Miles
    4/8: 3.8 Miles
    6/8: 3.8 Miles
    11/8: 9.1 Miles
    14/8: 5.0 Miles
    19/8: 3.1 Miles
    21/8: 11.2 Miles

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  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    Back to Date Run Fridays, an easy flat 8km with Sue and Kady, glad to take it easy today, saving it up for the challenging "run" up Grouse tomorrow.

    exercise.png
    +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
Month to date:		140.61 km
Goal:			322 km / 200 miles (43% completed)
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
Aug 21 08.10 km Date Run Friday. Low HR.
Aug 20 14.60 km Taking it easy along the river 
Aug 19 14.10 km Mountain trail run
Aug 18 10.08 km Lake trail run
Aug 17 -----    Rest Day
Aug 16 16.87 km HR up 20bpm over normal for pace, drugs?
Aug 15 -----    Off for health
Aug 14 -----    Off for health
Aug 13 14.75 km Urine colour: Amber Ale bordering on Stout. Call 911.
Aug 12 13.70 km Up at 0530H to beat the heat
Aug 11 -----    Life Day
Aug 10 -----    Life Day
Aug 09 08.09 km Gentle welcome home date-run with Sue
Aug 08 12.27 km Great cool run along Lake Sammamish near Seattle
Aug 07 06.04 km Short run before really loooong driving day, bye bye Montana
Aug 06 -----    Rest Day / 10km hiking in Swan Range, Montana
Aug 05 08.09 km Easy trail in Bigfork Montana
Aug 04 -----    Rest Day
Aug 03 03.35 km Quick jaunt before long driving day, bye bye Alberta
Aug 02 -----    Cycling while visiting family
Aug 01 10.60 km Trails both wide + single track


  • juliet3455
    juliet3455 Posts: 3,015 Member
    edited August 2015
    mwyvr wrote: »
    Back to Date Run Fridays, an easy flat 8km with Sue and Kady, glad to take it easy today, saving it up for the challenging "run" up Grouse tomorrow.
    Looking forward to your description and Time for the Grind.
    20 years back I managed 82 mins (foggy memory of the exact time) . I think I left 1 lung and 1/2 of my sinuses on the trail somewhere. Worth it to say you've done it, but if you've done it multiple times, I suspect you're mad or a glutton for punishment.
    Stoshew71 wrote: »
    In addition, running in the dark in layers of clothing get's you mistaken for a crew that is ready to break into the Regions Bank and commit the crime of the century.
    You heard of Ocean's 11? Meet Panera's 15.
    Ummm nothing Like Hot Fresh Bread after a Run. It's Cold but I don't see any Snow - That adds a whole new dimension to running - especially at night with head lamps.
    skippygirlsmom wrote: »
    With all the hot weather I thought I'd remind everyone of why winter running sucks: — Running below a certain temperature is not safe: When weather gets well below freezing, not only is a workout outside downright miserable, it can be dangerous.
    — You wear layers and are cold two minutes after your run ends:
    — Fingers feel frozen even when you wear gloves: You found some gloves, eh?
    — Frozen eyelashes or beards and icicles in your hair: You think you’re doing OK until you take a selfie mid-run or look in the mirror afterward.
    — It is dark for what feels like all the time: The sun doesn’t rise until after 7 ( Juliet3455 says not until 8:30 ) in the morning and sets around 5 ( Juliet3455 = 3:45 ) in the evening. Basically, it feels like it’s dark 24/7, and you’re always running before the sun rises (it's starting already) or after it sets. In the summer, on the other hand, you have nearly 15 ( Juliet3455 = 21 ) hours of glorious daylight.
    ( eh? so Canadian )
    Ironically I had one of my best runs (based on Distance and How I felt at the end) in mid January at noon when it was a Balmy -23C ( -10F ) Bright sun and no wind - 10km in less than an hour. Not fast but that's about my normal 10K time so the extra winter gear & icy trails didn't really slow me down. In reality any run is a good run.
  • kimlight2
    kimlight2 Posts: 483 Member
    My July goal was 30 miles and I hit that. I think I will shoot for 35 for August.

    8/2 - 3.5mi. PR for distance Woohoo! According to my GPS I went 3.5 but according to the trail map I did 3.7 miles. I am going with my GPS since I always use the same one when I run so any errors should be consistent. Walking up to get ice cream with son and dog later so that will be another 3 miles but I will not include it in my monthly total.
    8/4 - 3.6mi. Another PR! I went for a run on my break at work because I was falling asleep at my desk, don't tell the boss, and I ended up completing the run in 50 minutes which is what it took me to run 5k last month in the heat and humidity. I learned that my ideal pace right now is about a 13 minute pace so I was able to cut out most of the walk breaks except for walking up the big hill at the end of trail. (Why is there always a big hill at the end of a run?)
    8/6 - 3.5mi. Got up at 6:30am on my day off for a beautiful cool morning run with Neeko. Kept my average pace at 13:14 which seems to be ideal for me but I will admit my legs were tired when I was done. That hasn't happened in a while but it was a great feeling.
    8/8 - 2mi. Over did it on strength training yesterday and pushed myself to do 3 reps of 12 leg presses at 210 lbs so my legs were dead today. Even Neeko was confused when I turned around early LOL. I think I am going to try again tomorrow depending on how crazy work is and I am not sure if I want to push for 4 miles since I just stepped up to 3.5 last week. I guess I will see how I feel.
    8/10 - 1.5mi. Well yesterday didn't happen, work was insane and today it started raining and thundering when I started. Neeko and I kept going until we saw lighting but got in a fast comfortable mile and a half. No running tomorrow, I have a session with my trainer so I will try again on Wednesday for 4 miles.
    8/12 - 3.5 mi at the crack of dawn today.
    8/14 - 4.0 mi. Broke thru my glass ceiling this morning and finally made 4 miles! Woohoo! I can't believe how much my running has improved since the temperature and humidity have gone down. A few months ago I could barely make 3 miles in what it took me to run 4 today and I felt good at the end.
    8/17 - 3.0 mi Was going for 4 miles but the heat and humidity returned with a vengeance. My 3 included more walking then I wanted as it was.
    8/19 - 3.2 mi Today was the first day of school for JJ so Neeko and I were out the door at 5:15 to get our run in before I had to get him to school and me to work. At least it was nice and cool but never realized how many streets around us don't have lights.
    8/21 - 2 mi Couldn't sit still at work any longer so went for a short run. Muscle sore and tired but to much energy. Felt better when I was done.


    Completed : 29.8 mi
    To go : 5.2
  • CrimsonWhite
    CrimsonWhite Posts: 104 Member
    3.25 miles tonight. I think. On the theme of lying runs, runkeeper lied to me during my run! After my first 5 minutes, it tells me you have run 0.85 miles. Ummmm I don't think so. I'm pretty darn slow even on my best day and I felt horribly slow tonight. Turns out it tacked on some weird trek I didn't take as I turned from one street to another, which was about an extra 0.40 miles or so. But I estimated my miles after that and wasn't quite as slow as it seemed, as it was around 12:20 to 12:25 average per mile for the most part. So I'll take it!

    But, I didn't need to poop after it was over (unlike @JoRocka earlier this week, *and* almost every run I seem to have lately), although I did collapse in a sweaty heap on the living room floor after it was done. At least the dog didn't come down and start licking the sweat off my arms and legs. Weirdo dogs, gotta love 'em :)

    That gives me 31.5 miles total (I think!) out of a goal of 40 for the month.
  • Ohhim
    Ohhim Posts: 1,142 Member
    Wimped out on doing speedwork this afternoon as my stomach wasn't cooperating (due to antibiotics - @shanaber I'm feeling your pain), so I just ended up doing 8.5 miles with friends. Luckily one (and MD) confirmed my allergy to my latest antibiotic so I'm now off that and should be able to get back to normal soon once the itching subsides.

    8/1 - 3 miles
    8/2 - 6 miles
    8/4 - 12 miles
    8/5 - 5.5 miles
    8/6 - 8 miles (w. 8x800s @ 6:22 pace)
    8/8 - 3 miles (sprint triathlon 5k @ 7:03 pace)
    8/10 - 9.5 miles
    8/11 - 3 mile run
    8/13 - 1 mile run
    8/16 - 5 mile run
    8/17 - 7 mile run
    8/18 - 8 mile run
    8/19 - 8 mile run
    8/20 - 8 mile run
    8/21 - 8.5 mile run

    Total: 95.5 miles
    Goal: 140 miles
    Remaining: 44.5 miles
  • HonuNui
    HonuNui Posts: 1,464 Member
    August goal 60 miles

    8/1 I really...
    8/2 Need to find a better source
    8/3 For my Chinese take out supply....
    8/4 Managed a 1.17 "ralk" with all 3 puppies
    8/5 3.1 on the dreadmill until the aforementioned Chinese food from hell re "reared" (pun intended)
    its ugly head.
    8/6 2.52
    8/7 5
    8/8 3.67
    8/9 3.42
    8/10 rest
    8/11 2.22
    8/12 3.36
    8/13 4.25
    8/14 "life day" ( I like that!)
    8/15 3.65
    8/16 3.77
    8/17 3.34
    8/18 Bike
    8/19 rest
    8/20 3.47
    8/21 3.83

    Total 46.75

    Ticker is my goal for 2015 and accumulation to date:


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  • aleph_0
    aleph_0 Posts: 30 Member
    8/1: 3.4 km
    8/3: 2.6 km
    8/9: 2.6 km
    8/10: 3.1 km
    8/16: 3.1 km
    8/18: 3.1 km
    8/21: 3.3 km

    Total: 21.3 km

    I'm getting close to my goal but I do need to stay on track :)

    I tried a different route yesterday (along the river, and ideally it would've led me toward the Grand Canal, but I had to turn around halfway because it was my morning run before work, so I didn't have the time to walk all the way back). It was really nice, I think I'll try to run there more often.
  • spangolin
    spangolin Posts: 28 Member
    Hit my 75 mile goal! Now extended it to 100 for August...
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  • spangolin
    spangolin Posts: 28 Member
    edited August 2015
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  • kimlight2
    kimlight2 Posts: 483 Member
    My July goal was 30 miles and I hit that. I think I will shoot for 35 for August.

    8/2 - 3.5mi. PR for distance Woohoo! According to my GPS I went 3.5 but according to the trail map I did 3.7 miles. I am going with my GPS since I always use the same one when I run so any errors should be consistent. Walking up to get ice cream with son and dog later so that will be another 3 miles but I will not include it in my monthly total.
    8/4 - 3.6mi. Another PR! I went for a run on my break at work because I was falling asleep at my desk, don't tell the boss, and I ended up completing the run in 50 minutes which is what it took me to run 5k last month in the heat and humidity. I learned that my ideal pace right now is about a 13 minute pace so I was able to cut out most of the walk breaks except for walking up the big hill at the end of trail. (Why is there always a big hill at the end of a run?)
    8/6 - 3.5mi. Got up at 6:30am on my day off for a beautiful cool morning run with Neeko. Kept my average pace at 13:14 which seems to be ideal for me but I will admit my legs were tired when I was done. That hasn't happened in a while but it was a great feeling.
    8/8 - 2mi. Over did it on strength training yesterday and pushed myself to do 3 reps of 12 leg presses at 210 lbs so my legs were dead today. Even Neeko was confused when I turned around early LOL. I think I am going to try again tomorrow depending on how crazy work is and I am not sure if I want to push for 4 miles since I just stepped up to 3.5 last week. I guess I will see how I feel.
    8/10 - 1.5mi. Well yesterday didn't happen, work was insane and today it started raining and thundering when I started. Neeko and I kept going until we saw lighting but got in a fast comfortable mile and a half. No running tomorrow, I have a session with my trainer so I will try again on Wednesday for 4 miles.
    8/12 - 3.5 mi at the crack of dawn today.
    8/14 - 4.0 mi. Broke thru my glass ceiling this morning and finally made 4 miles! Woohoo! I can't believe how much my running has improved since the temperature and humidity have gone down. A few months ago I could barely make 3 miles in what it took me to run 4 today and I felt good at the end.
    8/17 - 3.0 mi Was going for 4 miles but the heat and humidity returned with a vengeance. My 3 included more walking then I wanted as it was.
    8/19 - 3.2 mi Today was the first day of school for JJ so Neeko and I were out the door at 5:15 to get our run in before I had to get him to school and me to work. At least it was nice and cool but never realized how many streets around us don't have lights.
    8/21 - 2 mi Couldn't sit still at work any longer so went for a short run. Muscle sore and tired but to much energy. Felt better when I was done.
    8/22 4.6 mi Was going to take an easy day but once I got moving I felt great. I think I could have kept going for an even 5 miles but I was in front of my house so I stopped. This has been a fabulous month for me, I am consistently adding distance to my runs. This is another PR for distance and the first one over an hour (barely at 1:01:36).

    Completed : 34.4 mi
    To go : 0.6 miles
  • vandinem
    vandinem Posts: 550 Member
    5.2 morning miles.

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